The 2012 Bulgarian Hebar Open commenced today with the matches in the qualification stage. The International Series event offers 5.000 US Dollars in prize money and attracted 95 players from 17 countries. The event is staged in Bulgaria’s city of Pazardzhik, which is located about 100 km from the capital Sofia.
 
Malaysia’s Tan Chung Sean is the top seed in the men’s singles. The world number 49 is aiming his third season's title after having won the events in Tahiti and Peru. Artem Pochtarev and Gennadiy Natarov of Ukraine grabbed the top seeding spot in the men’s doubles and looking for their first international Circuit title.

Top seeds in the mixed doubles are Austrians Roman Zirnwald and Elisabeth Baldauf, while the young sisters duo of Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva are the big favourites to take the women’s doubles crown.

Bad news for the local supporter as Bulgaria’s number one female shuttle and top seed in the women’s Singles, Petya Nedelcheva is not able to play due to a knee injury. That makes Swiss Sabrina Jaquet the hot favourite in the women’s singles category.

CLICK HERE for all results of the 2012 Bulgarian Open

Photo by Mark Phelan